Fremont Youth Wind Band Pays Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

There comes a time---through music and narrative---when tribute is paid to one of the most influential and inspirational leaders in American history almost 50 years after his passing. On Saturday, January 27, Fremont-based Mission Peak Wind Symphony (MPWS) proudly presents “New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom”, written by prolific American composer and educator Joseph Schwantner in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Commissioned for Eastman Philharmonia and premiered on King’s birthday in 1983, this enchanting piece of music is dovetailed with text selected from King’s momentous speeches and writings spanned over the final decade of his life: "Stride Toward Freedom" (1958), "Behind the Selma March" (1965), and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (1963); the composition ends with King's famous speech "I Have a Dream" (1963). Be prepared to experience the power of words delivered by Reverend Jeffrey Spencer, Senior Pastor of Niles Discovery Church, Fremont. Pastor Jeff has an eye for the art, and is passionate about issues involving the environment, justice, and peace. A baritone with the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus in San Francisco, he is delighted to make his voice heard at the season-opener of MPWS.

Founded in 2014, MPWS is the area’s only youth wind band outside of school. Its membership comprises many of Bay Area’s finest wind and percussion student-musicians (from 8th to 12th grade) seeking to immerse themselves in challenging repertoire with peers who share a passion for creating beautiful music together. “MPWS is excited to be sharing the stage with Reverend Spencer recalling the stirring words of Dr. King interwoven with the riveting music by Schwantner,” noted Debra Watanuki, President of MPWS. “The power of art as expressed through music and prose will be celebrated at the concert.” Watanuki and Music Director Travis Nasatir both look forward to a memorable evening when the community will be enthralled by the ensemble once again rising to the challenge.

Members of the audience will also be treated to performance by the award-winning Wind Ensemble of Hopkins Junior High School under the direction of Greg Conway. While Hopkins’ Wind Ensemble is the best middle school band of the state repeatedly earning unanimous superior ratings in festivals year after year, Director Conway is a well-regarded music educator having recently received the Outstanding Music Educator Award 2018 at the Winter Conference of the California Association for Music Education (Bay Section).

Now is the time to save the date to come witness the captivating interplay of music and rhetoric as we celebrate some of the greatest achievements in American history.

Mission Peak Wind Symphony

Featuring Joseph Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom”

Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Reed L. Buffington Center for Performing Arts

Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

www.missionpeakwinds.org

Free Admission